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scorn

noun

/skɔːn/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of scorn

A strong feeling of contempt, disdain, or derision directed toward someone or something considered unworthy, inferior, or deserving of mockery.
"His condescending tone was dripping with scorn for his colleagues."

Detailed meaning of scorn

It represents a deep-seated and often openly expressed disdain for a person's actions, qualities, or ideas, typically due to a perceived lack of value, credibility, or integrity. Scorn may manifest as scornful remarks, gestures, or expressions that convey a sense of superiority or contemptuous disregard for the subject of scorn. It's a potent emotion that signifies a profound lack of respect or regard for the object of scorn, often stemming from a belief that it falls far short of acceptable standards or merits strong condemnation.

Example sentences containing scorn

1. She regarded his proposal with scorn, as if it were a joke.
2. The athlete's dedication earned the team's admiration, not scorn.
3. His accomplishments silenced the critics who had previously shown scorn.
4. The author's innovative ideas were met with both praise and scorn.
5. She could hardly hide her scorn for his lack of effort.
6. The politician's promises were met with skepticism and scorn.

History and etymology of scorn

The noun 'scorn' has its origins in Old French, where it was known as 'scarn' or 'escarn,' derived from the Latin word 'excernere,' which means 'to reject' or 'to separate.' Over time, 'scorn' came to represent a powerful and intense feeling of contempt, disdain, or derision directed towards someone or something considered unworthy, inferior, or deserving of mockery. It encompasses a sense of superiority and a strong desire to belittle or express one's disapproval openly. When individuals show 'scorn,' they manifest their strong displeasure and often express it through scornful words or gestures, emphasizing their disdain for the subject of their contempt.

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Further usage examples of scorn

1. He felt a pang of scorn as he witnessed the careless behavior.
2. The painter's work was initially met with scorn, but it eventually gained recognition.
3. The old man's stories were often met with polite nods hiding underlying scorn.
4. Despite their shared history, there was now a clear air of scorn between them.
5. Her talent and determination were met with admiration, not scorn.
6. The movie received widespread scorn for its poorly developed plot.
7. The CEO's attempt at humor was met with awkward silence and thinly veiled scorn.
8. She couldn't hide the scorn in her voice when she spoke about his actions.
9. The rivalry between the two teams was characterized by mutual scorn.
10. The controversial decision drew both support and scorn from the public.
11. The professor's theories were initially met with scorn, but they eventually gained traction.
12. The speaker's arrogance and dismissive attitude aroused a feeling of scorn.
13. The artist's unconventional approach to art garnered admiration from some and scorn from others.
14. Her scorn for his dishonesty was evident in her eyes.
15. They couldn't hide their scorn for the poorly written report.
16. He faced the scorn of his colleagues after the blunder.
17. The audience's scorn was palpable during his speech.
18. I sensed her scorn for my choice of attire.
19. Their actions earned them the scorn of the entire community.
20. His arrogance invited the scorn of those around him.
21. The politician's empty promises drew widespread scorn.
22. She met his criticism with a mixture of scorn and defiance.
23. The artist's unconventional work was met with both scorn and praise.
24. Despite their scorn, he remained unwavering in his beliefs.